A study from China has just been released that shows a connection between a condition called metabolic syndrome and cancer. Metabolic syndrome refers to a condition of extra fat around the middle – being overweight and having some other medical conditions at the same time.
Symptoms of Metabolic Syndrome
There are several conditions which can lead to the syndrome. The symptoms of metabolic syndrome include a large waist, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and high blood sugar. Having these problems at the same time can also lead to a heart attack or stroke. They increase your risk of these problems by as much as 35%.
As the conditions for metabolic disease syndrome become worse, the risk of cancer increases. It has been known for a long time that these conditions could easily lead to cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. In the above study, researchers have now concluded that metabolic syndrome can also lead to several types of cancer.
Kidney Cancer Is the Highest Risk
If they develop cancer, people with metabolic syndrome have the highest risk of getting kidney cancer. Although kidney cancer may be the most common form to have with this health problem, it opens the door to any cancer type. The other most likely forms of cancer would be breast, liver, endometrial, and colorectal.
The potential extent of this problem is evident when it is reported that one-third of adult Americans have metabolic syndrome. Reducing the risk of cancer requires losing the extra pounds and controlling the health problems associated with metabolic disorder syndrome.
Because of the strong connection between metabolic syndrome and cancer, doctors believe that an intervention in controlling the symptoms, along with weight loss, can reduce the cancer rates in the United States – and elsewhere.
Chronic Inflammation Increases the Risk
Along with the conditions behind the metabolic syndrome, chronic inflammation also makes cancer more likely. This condition, often started when you have an injury or infection, continues after resolving the original problem. Other things can perpetuate it, such as smoking, chronic stress, regularly drinking alcohol, and your age.
Even when chronic inflammation is not present with metabolic syndrome, there is a higher risk of kidney cancer than the other forms. The presence of metabolic syndrome and chronic inflammation raises people to the highest level of risk of colon, liver, and breast cancers. Also, people with metabolic syndrome that is getting worse are at the highest risk of cancer.
Symptoms of Chronic Inflammation
There are several symptoms of chronic inflammation. They may include weight gain or loss, body pain, fatigue, stomach problems (diarrhea), fatigue, and ongoing infections. Some foods are known to increase inflammation in some people. They include fried foods, red meat, processed meat, beverages with sugar added, and refined carbohydrates (white bread, pastries, etc.).
Foods to Reduce Inflammation
The only way to know if you have chronic inflammation is to get tested. Instead of going to a doctor for a test, you can reduce it by adding some anti-inflammatory foods to your diet . Some of those foods include leafy green vegetables, tomatoes, almonds, and walnuts, fatty fish such as tuna, mackerel, and sardines, and fruits such as cherries, blueberries, and oranges.
If you have the symptoms of metabolic syndrome, you need to take action to control and seek to reduce them. Losing weight alone can help you control each of them and feel better. Eating a healthy diet and exercising 150 minutes per week using moderate exercises will help. Your longevity may be affected if you do not take action soon.